Hugo Chavez returns to Venezuela and holds mass rally

Hugo wore his regular party suit of olive drab uniform and red beret with just enough gold braid to make him special.

President Hugo Chavez has returned to Venezuela and addressed a crowd of thousands at a rally in Caracas.

He has been receiving medical treatment in Cuba for the last month for cancer after becoming ill on a State visit to Cuba.

The crowds cheered as he waved the Venezuelan flag from his palace’s balcony and said he would win his health battle.

He has said he would not be able to take part in celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary of Venezuela’s independence from Spain on Tuesday.

He would not attend the parade but would follow it from the presidential palace, he said.

Hugo must have been doped up to the eyeballs with pain killers because he managed to lead the crowd in a raucous rendition of Venezuela’s national anthem, Gloria al Bravo Pueblo (Glory to the Brave People).

“The return has begun,” he said, thanking the people for their support. “This is the best medicine for whatever illness.”

Standing unaided, Mr Chavez spoke without notes for around 30 minutes. Speaking without notes is what Hugo does though. Sometimes he speaks without thinking as well.

It was obviously an important gestuure for Chavez to be back in Venezuela in time for the independence celebrations. He must be very sick though if he is passing up the massive propaganda potential of fronting the 200th anniversary festivities.